Brand New to Frogs

[BonsaiGuy]

Hey everyone!


New guy here. I've been researching for the past day and I'm very interested in starting this hobby. I grow plants, bonsai trees actually, so the idea of having a setup with plants and animals is very interesting to me. I'm looking to get a pair of White's tree frogs. I am still uncertain as to the kind of substrate for live plants in the setup though. I want live plants all throughout the enclosure. I read that coconut fiber is good substrate, but certainly plants can't grow in that, right? I've read of people doing a layer of hydroton, then putting the substrate on top of that and planting the plants in that. For the other plants, like bromeliads, I assume I could just attach them to branches and all that.

Lighting. I was looking into LED lighting, but fear it may be too powerful for the frogs. The plants would love it, though. Should I just get a T8 light fixture instead?


I figured this would be a good start to my questions thread, thanks for any help!

[FantaTizer]

Hi Bonsaiguy! First of all,welcome to the world of frogs! Whites tree frogs are great first frogs, and they were my first too!

I personally think you'll struggle with a live set up for whites tree frogs as they destroy everything with their weight but would be interesting to see how you get on! I definitely agree with a layer as you mentioned and then throw some springtails in to help break down faeces and matter in the tank.

In terms of lighting I have a t8 for the frogs and it works really well

Best of luck in your new frog venture!


from Hannah

[BonsaiGuy]

Thanks Hannah! I've actually changed my mind and I think I'm going to go with Red Eyed Tree Frogs instead. Their eyes are so amazing.

I'm terms of substrate, what would work in terms of allowing the plants to grow and being safe for frogs?

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[FantaTizer]

Ah well excellent choice. I have whites tree frogs, red eyes, tomato frogs and 3 pacmans so I love a frog!!

I would personally say coco fibre, great substrate for smaller frogs and is very good for plant growth!


from Hannah

[BonsaiGuy]

Okay so coco fibre for a substrate. I may or may not do the gravel (or whatever) layer below that.

Now to look into plants...

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[FantaTizer]

Yup definitely, not sure if you'll need the filtration layer below for red eyes, I'm getting a red eyes tree frog live set up on Saturday

Plants should be a lot easier for red eyes! Are you UK based or US?

from Hannah

[BonsaiGuy]

I'm US based, so I'll probably look online for places where I can get a male and female together.

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[FantaTizer]

Yes that's a good idea! I'm UK based so we have our local 'go to' guy, he is brilliant!

from Hannah

[BonsaiGuy]

Not sure how ordering them online works, but I'll give it a shot.

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[FantaTizer]

Best of luck!

from Hannah

[BonsaiGuy]

Do you have any links to good guides with pictures on Red Eyed Tree Frog setups?

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[FantaTizer]

I would go on YouTube, what lllreptile and also Howcast, great care tips and set up advice for a range of reptiles and amphibians and both US based so relevant advice for you!

from Hannah

[dylroche1]

I'd order from joshsfrogs.com very good guy and reputable company they also have a facebook page, their staff is knowledgeable and answer questions for you great customer service haven't had any problems shipping with them

[dylroche1]

I just got two theloderma bicolor from them, (mini moss frogs) very healthy and active were eating right when I got them in the enclosure, also they are all captive bred

[BonsaiGuy]

What is shipping like? I assume it's gotta be expensive since the animals have to arrive ASAP.

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[dylroche1]

It's $40 arrives next day

[BonsaiGuy]

That's not bad at all!

Petco is having their dollar per gallon sale, I wonder how much the frogs would like a 40 gallon breeder...

[ericbrookey]

Not an expert but I think a 40 breeder is too short. You want some height for these guys.

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[BonsaiGuy]

Yeah I'll probably just stick with an exo-terra terrarium. That'd work well.

[dylroche1]

They also have the 29gal that is taller than the 40 I beleive
... I got my moss frogs in the 29 doing just fine.. I am gonna buy a 40 though before the Sales over and live plant the aquarium and get the foam for the backwalls to make it.look like rock.
already got a nice stump I found in the woods for it